Symbol of Identity (Screening of Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors ("Тіні забутих предків ") and Traditional Ukrainian Block Printing Workshop), August 20

On August 20, on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, a Ukrainian cultural evening took place in Zurich. The event opened with a screening of Serhiy Paradzhanov’s iconic film Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors — a cinematic journey into the world of Hutsul traditions, symbols, and rituals.

After the screening, participants joined the Unity Rushnyk workshop — part of the international Symbols of Identity project. Using the traditional vybyika technique, they co-created a communal rushnyk, where each imprint became a sign of presence and solidarity. It was not only a creative process but also a collective gesture of unity and belonging.

The evening created a space for encounter, dialogue, and shared action, where Ukrainian culture revealed itself as alive and open to all.